🎶🌟 Introducing international soprano and new NZOS tutor: Mary Plazas! 🌟🎶 We’re thrilled to welcome the incredible Mary Plazas (UK) to the 2026 NZ Opera School faculty — her first time teaching with us in Aotearoa! She joins us with a formidable international career, bringing a wealth of knowledge and stage experience to the NZOS whānau. 🗣️ In Mary’s own words: “I’m delighted to have been invited to teach on the New Zealand Opera Course in January 2026. It is my great pleasure to join esteemed colleagues and to work with such talented young New Zealand singers, on this important and special course. It will also be my first time visiting this beautiful country and I’m very much looking forward to it!” 📖 Formerly a company principal at English National Opera, where highlights include Cio-Cio San (Anthony Minghella’s acclaimed production of Madama Butterfly); other companies include ROH, Glyndebourne, Opera North, Bregenz Festspiele, Bayerische Staatsoper, Semperoper Dresden, and West Australian Opera. Roles include Mimì, Fiordiligi, Donna Elvira, Leïla, Lucrezia Borgia, Maria di Rohan, Rossini’s Elisabetta, Salud, Anne Truelove and The Duchess (Powder Her Face/DVD). Mary created two roles for Jonathan Dove, Tina (Flight) and Blue Fairy (Pinocchio); Karin in the world premiere of Barry’s Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant. She performed the title role in Peter Eötvös’ Lady Sarashina (Opéra de Lyon/Opéra Comique). Recordings include Opera Rara, Deutsche Grammophon, Chandos (Micaëla, Adina, Liù, Marguerite). Concerts/recitals include Wigmore Hall, Albert Hall, Concertgebouw with CBSO, Hallé, Philharmonia, BBC Philharmonic, BBC Symphony, and LSO with Hickox, Previn, Elder, Haitink, Oramo, Wigglesworth, and Parry. Mary studied at RNCM where she was awarded the Curtis Gold Medal and at NOS. Awards include the Kathleen Ferrier Memorial Scholarship and NFMS/ESSO Award. A Professor of Singing at RNCM, Mary is passionate about nurturing the next generation of young singers. She has given masterclasses in the UK, Mannheim, Brisbane, Perth, and adjudicated for major UK conservatoires and competitions. 🎓 Apply now to NZOS 2026 to work with Mary!

✨🎉 This one’s EXTRA special... 🎉✨ We know Fridays at the Hilton are always magical — but this one? You do not want to miss. On Friday 25 July, Opera & Champagne at the Hilton Auckland brings you an unforgettable evening featuring none other than Jack Bourke — NZOS Trustee, Digital Director, and tenor — taking the spotlight during his birthday month 🎂🎶 He’ll be joined by two absolute stars: the iconic Morag Atchison, one of NZ’s leading soprano and crowd favourite Baritone Edward Laurenson 🎹 ✨💫 It’s more than a concert — it’s a celebration. Of music. Of friendship. Of full-circle moments. 📍 Bellini Bar, Hilton Auckland 🕡 6:30 PM | 🎟 Free entry — arrive early to grab a glass and a great spot. #OperaAndChampagne #HiltonAuckland #JackBourke #MoragAtchison #EdwardLaurenson #ClaireCaldwell #NZOperaSchool #OperaWhānau #BirthdayConcert #FridayNightOpera #DoNotMiss

🎓🎶 Bravo to NZOS alumnus Aidan Thomas Phillips! 🎶🎓 From baritone beginnings to bold tenor heights, Aidan has just graduated with a Master of Music in Opera from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland — and what a journey it’s been! 👏 In just two years, Aidan has transformed as a singer and artist, stepping confidently into the next chapter as a Young Artist in the wild world of opera 🌍✨ We’re so proud to have been part of his story — and we can’t wait to see what’s next. Onwards and upwards, Aidan! #AidanThomasPhillips #NZOperaSchool #OperaWhānau #RCSGraduate #TenorJourney #FromNZToTheWorld #YoungArtist #AlumniSpotlight #OperaExcellence

🌍✨ BIG NEWS for NZOS 2026! ✨🌍 We’re thrilled to officially announce our International Tutors for the 2026 New Zealand Opera School: 🇺🇸🇳🇿 Nikki Li Hartliep 🇬🇧 Mary Plazas 🇦🇺 Glenn Winslade Three world-class artists. Three extraordinary mentors. One unforgettable opportunity. 🎭 Whether you're refining your artistry or ready for the next step in your operatic journey — this is your chance to work with some of the most respected professionals in the industry. 💥 Places are limited. Applications for NZOS 2026 are OPEN now. 📲 Apply today: https://operaschool.org.nz/applications/application-form #NZOS2026 #OperaTraining #NZOS #MasterYourVoice #OperaSchoolAotearoa

🌍🎶 Choir of the World – and we are beaming with pride! 🎶🌍 Huge congratulations to the NZ Youth Choir, who have just been named Choir of the World on their international tour! 🇳🇿🏆 Even more special? Several of the shining voices in this phenomenal ensemble are NZ Opera School alumni, including Emma Jones, Alanah Jones, Jack Doyle, Rosie McAllister, Rosie Auchinvole and Ivan Zhang — what a proud moment for our whānau! 💙 This is a massive achievement and a reminder of just how far Aotearoa’s young voices can reach when talent meets opportunity. Toi toi toi to the whole choir — we’re cheering you on from home! 🎶🌟 #NZYouthChoir #ChoiroftheWorld #OperaWhānau #NZOperaSchool #ProudMoment #EmmaJones #AlanahJones #JackDoyle #IvanZhang #FromNZToTheWorld

🎓✨ Erica E. Paterson – RCM graduate! ✨🎓 Another proud NZOS moment! Our wonderful alumna Erica Paterson has just crossed the stage at the prestigious Royal College of Music in London, completing her Master’s degree in Vocal Performance 🇳🇿🎶 Wearing her pounamu and pāua close to her heart, Erica carried Aotearoa with her into this milestone moment — a reflection of the talent, heart, and hard work that defines so many of our alumni. Ngā mihi nui and congratulations, Erica! We’re so proud. ❤️ #EricaPaterson #NZOperaSchool #RCM #OperaWhānau #FromNZToTheWorld #GraduationVibes #KiwiTalent #AlumniSpotlight #OperaExcellence

🌟🎶 Ready to take your voice to the next level? 🎶🌟 Applications for NZ Opera School 2026 are OPEN! This is your chance to train with international tutors and a faculty made up of some of the industry’s finest professionals — right here in Aotearoa. 🌍🎭 At NZOS, you’ll gain more than technique — you’ll build connections that last, and experience real performance opportunities both during the programme and beyond. 📝 Apply now: operaschool.org.nz/applications/application-form #NZOS2026 #NZOperaSchool #OperaTraining #NextGenOpera #ApplyNow #OperaWhānau #FromNZToTheWorld #OperaOpportunities

Is your town on the map? 🌎 We're thrilled to see the 'NZ Opera School' rose being sent all over Aotearoa, New Zealand! Thank you opera, music and garden lovers for your support. It means so much. We have just over 70 plants left as part of our fundraiser and we'd love them to be growing in your part of New Zealand! Matthews Nurseries Ltd will courier them anywhere you live, so click here for a lifetime of blooms in your garden! https://operaschool.org.nz/support/buy-the-nz-opera-school-rose/ Add your town to the list! Thank you to our supporters in: Auckland Blenheim Christchurch Dunedin Feilding Hamilton Hararu Havelock North Invercargill Kaitoke Marton Matamata Nelson Otaki Palmerston North Papakura Porirua Seatoun Tauranga Waikato Whanganui Wellington Whanganui Whangarei

🎓🎶 Big congratulations to NZOS alumna Libby Montgomery! 🎶🎓 Libby has just completed her Postgraduate Diploma: Advanced Studies in Vocal and Opera at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester — another milestone on her exciting journey as a young artist abroad! 🇬🇧✨ At NZOS, we’re proud to nurture Kiwi operatic talent right here in Aotearoa — giving singers the foundation, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive abroad. Well done, Libby — we can’t wait to see what’s next! 💙🌍 #LibbyMontgomery #NZOperaSchool #OperaWhānau #FromNZToTheWorld #RNCM #OperaTraining #KiwiTalent #OperaExcellence #AlumniSpotlight

Good morning! ☀️ It’s a perfect day to visit the market and plant your NZ Opera School rose! A 🌎 worldwide exclusive, limited edition from Matthews Nurseries Ltd. Buy for yourself or a gift for that special someone! 🎁 🌱 🌹 See you soon!

THANK YOU for your support! The limited edition, brand new ‘NZ Opera School’ Rose is being delivered all around New Zealand and we can’t wait to see photos of your new blooms! 🙏🏼 Only 300 of this stunning white, fragranced rose were bred by Bob Matthews at Matthews Nurseries Ltd but we still have a few available for purchase. Head to our website today to enjoy this showstopper in your garden or patio pot! Share our post with your friends around the country! 🪴 We will also be at Whanganui River Markets this Saturday 12 July from 8.30am 🌱 https://operaschool.org.nz/support/buy-the-nz-opera-school-rose/

🎭✨ Your Friday night just found its soundtrack. ✨🥂 This Friday 11 July, the Bellini Bar at Hilton Auckland transforms once again into a stage for stars ✨ Join sopranos Antonia Brightwell and Hannah Morgan, joined by the dazzling Claire Caldwell at the piano, for a night of live opera, beautiful views, and serious vocal sparkle. Champagne in hand. Music in the air. This is winter magic on the waterfront. 💫 🕡 6:30 PM | 🎟 Free entry 📍 Bellini Bar – Hilton Auckland #OperaAndChampagne #HiltonAuckland #NZOperaSchool #LiveOpera #OperaOnTheWaterfront #AntoniaBrightwell #HannahMorgan #ClaireCaldwell #WinterVibes #OperaWhānau